Artists at Risk Connection Condemns Arbitrary Arrest of Bangladeshi Rapper Hannan Hossain Shimul
Bangladesh
(NEW YORK) – Artists at Risk Connection (ARC) calls for the immediate release of Bangladeshi musician and rapper, Hannan Hossain Shimul (“Hannan”), who was arrested on July 25, 2024 in Narayanganj’s Bhuighor area, Bangladesh. Though the charges against Hannan have not been publicly disclosed, there is widespread speculation that his arrest is in connection with his alleged involvement in the recent wave of protests that have swept across the country. Hannan’s song, “Awaaz Utha” which loosely translates to “raise your voice Bangladesh,” has become a virtual anthem for the protest movement over the last few weeks. Written and performed by Hannan, and produced by his collaborator SnareByt, the song has garnered more than 350,000 views on YouTube.
“Hannan’s arbitrary arrest is the most recent in a series of brutal and systematic attacks on free expression in Bangladesh,” said Adam Shapiro, Senior Manager of International Programs at ARC. “The lack of transparency surrounding his arrest further compounds the utter disregard to due process and basic human rights that has been on display by the Bangladeshi authorities. ARC calls for the immediate release of Hannan, and stands in solidarity with the people of Bangladesh as they confront brutal repression by the Bangladeshi security forces.”
According to his musical collaborator, SnareByt, Hannan was arrested by police as he was returning to his home from prayer. Though the police did confirm the arrest to local media, they did not release the First Instance Report (FIR) to Hannan’s family, thus obscuring any information regarding charges and alleged evidence.
In July, Bangladeshi protestors organized nation-wide protests that spread throughout the country in response to police brutalities against students who were peacefully protesting the quota allocation for government jobs. On July 16, 2024, 25-year-old student protester and coordinator, Abu Sayed was shot dead by police in an unprovoked attack. Between July 18th and July 23rd, Bangladeshi authorities implemented an internet shutdown which adversely affected the safety, mobility and wellbeing of the people. Despite the government calling for a curfew last week, protesters persisted and police continued their violent crackdown, resulting in at least 200 deaths, according to credible media sources in the country.
ABOUT ARC
Artists at Risk Connection (ARC) is an international organization committed to promoting and advancing artistic freedom worldwide. We work to protect artists and cultural workers who are at risk because of their creative expression, often connected to their identities or roles within their communities. ARC helps artists at risk overcome challenges like persecution, censorship, threats, and violence from both state and non-state actors.
Contact: Elias Ephron, eephron@artistsatriskconnection.org